Owens announces subcommittee roles

January 18, 2013

WASHINGTON -?U.S. Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, has announced he has been appointed to the subcommittees on defense and homeland security as part of his work as a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Earlier this month, it was announced Owens was appointed to serve on the House Appropriations Committee.

"As a veteran, I'm proud to serve on the Defense Subcommittee to help ensure that men and women in the field have everything they need and installations like Fort Drum are fully prepared to train the next generation of soldiers," Owens said in a news release. "Moreover, as co-chair of the Northern Border Caucus, I look forward to serving on the Homeland Security Subcommittee to further facilitate the movement of people and goods between New York and Canada."

Article Photos

Owens

In Congress, the Appropriations Committee exercises authority over federal spending in every department. The Defense Subcommittee has jurisdiction over spending for the Department of the Army, Navy, Air Force, the Office of Secretary of Defense, various defense agencies and the intelligence community. This includes much of the spending at military installations such as Fort Drum.

The Homeland Security Subcommittee has jurisdiction over that department as well as associated agencies such as Customs and Border Patrol.

"This new role is an exciting opportunity to help strengthen important economic assets in the district," Owens said in the release. "I look forward to the good work we can do to help create jobs while finding responsible cuts that will put America back on track towards fiscal responsibility."